A golden yellow (Saffron)

Member Name: mumsymary

Product:	Saffron
Date:	16/01/09 (145 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: gives flavour and colour

Disadvantages: expensive

Saffron The saffron crocus, Crocus sativus this crocus that flowers in October must not be confused with the autumn crocus Colchicum autumnale, known as autumn crocus, meadow saffron or naked lady. The autumn crocus is poisonous.

The saffron crocus is the one where we get the yellow saffron colouring from .This crocus is difficult to grow in England it needs a Mediterranean climate.
Saffron was grown around Saffron Walden an Essex town that took its name from saffron. Saffron was grown in the chalk soils around here. Saffron was grown commercially in the 16 C through to the 18th C. I do not think it is grown here now. I do not think this crocus is often grown in England However I think you can buy this bulb from http://www.gardencentre.co.uk/product.asp?id=3694 costs £1.95 per bulb

The saffron crocus has 6 delicate petals, a light purple flower these have darker stripes on the outside of petals. The saffron crocus flower only lasts a few days before dying and withering away.

In the centre of the crocus are a few orange red stigmas . These are picked and dried to produce a yellow powder It has been estimated that the stigmas (the female sexual organs of the flower.)Of about 4,000 flowers are required for one ounce of saffron powder.

It is this powder which is used to colour food and to add a light flavour, the flavour a slightly bitter woody lightly nutty one,

The colour it gives is bright yellow saffron rice is perhaps the most common use I know. You only need to use a little saffron to get the flavour and colour .
The saffron crocus used to be used to colour the clothes of rich people. If you use saffron in your rice you will understand how the colour leaks into the water a golden yellow and how magnificent a gown this colour might look.

Saffron is very expensive tesco's saffron strands in a jar cost £2.58
(£51.60 per 10g) for 0.5g. Tesco saffron powder in a little 0.4 g bag cost £2.58
(£6,450.00 per kg

Summary: A crocus that gives a yellow colouring to food